Fashion’s Latest Obsession? Flip Flops. Here’s Why…

They made be a holiday staple for practically the entire world, but flip flops haven't exactly been considered the pinnacle of high fashion. Until now...

In the week that Donald Trump seemed to suggest that gun owners should take up arms against Hilary Clinton, which came right before his claim that Obama “founded ISIS”, it seems that nothing else could prove shocking. Well, don’t speak too soon because Olivia Palermo- she of the endlessly glossy hair and generally flawless existence- has dropped a bombshell.

“I’m not crazy for flip flops unless you’re at the pool,” she told Red magazine.

Woah.

Now, while the writer of this article is inclined to agree with HSH (Her Sartorial Highness) she also realises that flip flops are the summer staple of millions. Her own mother lives in them, her friends claim they can’t live without them. How would one even HAVE a pedicure without a pair??

But what’s interesting (yes ok, that’s subjective- but stay with us) is that flip flops have entered the fashion consciousness recently, finding themselves on the catwalk as well as the subject of excellent articles such as the very one you’re reading (kidding) and also this, written by Leandra Medine of ManRepeller (not kidding).

Obviously, flip flops never really ‘went’ anywhere. And even more obviously, they’re more appropriate for certain situations than others. But rarely are they seen in the context of that baffling, eccentric but nonetheless seductive world of fashion.

So, what’s happened?

Well, for starters, as mentioned earlier, they’ve been cropping up on catwalks everywhere. It started with Chanel Haute Couture in AW14, when Kendall Jenner appeared in a pair and caused quite the stir, but more recently infiltrated Louis Vuitton’s Resort 2016 show, in which models wore black leather versions with everything- we’re talking tailoring, sequins, the lot- and has been ongoing ever since.

Flip flops featured in the Resort collections of Louis Vuitton (L) and Dior (R) for 2016

Dior’s Resort show also had a strong showing of flip flops, and who are we to argue with the big guns? Saint Laurent even started selling a rainbow pair in February this year. They cost $495, which is around £380. Clearly, we’re not kidding.

Saint Laurent’s rainbow flip flops will set you back a staggering $495

Anyway, while we’re not advocating paying a small fortune on rubber footwear, the point is that these ubiquitous sandals are ‘having a moment’, as it were. Much to Olivia Palermo’s chagrin, we’re assuming. Just in case you feel as inspired as we do, we’ve included some of the best flippers on the market for your enjoyment.